Written Answers Nos. 1430-1449
1430. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 544 of 5 July 2022, if the necessary information has been supplied to her from the Garda authorities. [43392/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraParliamentary Question No. 544 of 5 July 2022 sought the number of people arrested and charged with burglary within Clare Garda division in 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form.
As the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including operational policing matters. As Minister, I have no direct role.
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of unique people associated with charges issued during 2021 and to 30 June 2022. I am informed that the charges are associated with incidents of non-aggravated burglary reported in the Clare Division. In addition, the number of people arrested where the recorded custody log was associated with a non-aggravated burglary incident reported in the Clare Division is shown below.
I am advised that the below figures were collated based on data from PULSE as of 1:30am on 01 July 2022. As the Deputy will appreciate, these figures are operational and may be liable to change. I am further advised that crime counting rules are not applied to reflect all recorded incidents.
In relation to arrests for aggravated burglary, I have been advised by the Garda authorities that it is not possible to provide a statistical breakdown as the low number of total arrests may present a data protection concern.
|
Charge Year |
People Charged |
People Arrested |
|
2021 |
17 |
19 |
|
2022* |
17 |
18 |
*up to and including the 30 June 2022.
1431. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of licences for club registrations that were issued per county in each of the years 2011 to 2021 and to date in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43399/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraManagement of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions under the Courts Service Act 1998 and given the separation of powers in the Constitution. The Courts Service operates under its own vote. It has its own Accounting Officer and lays its reports and accounts directly before the Oireachtas. The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas at: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
The registration of clubs and granting of club authorisations is an operational matter for the District Court. Therefore, I have referred your question to the Courts Service for their direct reply.
1432. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice if a person (details supplied) will be considered for the position of Peace Commissioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43400/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, Peace Commissioners are appointed by the Minister for Justice under section 88 of the Courts of Justice Act 1924. The Office of Peace Commissioner is an honorary appointment and Peace Commissioners receive no remuneration or compensation by way of fees or expenses for their services.
An application for appointment may be made by an individual on their own behalf or they may be nominated by a third party.
While there are no specific qualifying criteria appointees are required to be of good character, well established within the area and available to the local community. The fact that an applicant or nominee may be suitable for appointment does not, in itself, provide any entitlement to appointment as appointments are made entirely at the discretion of the Minister for Justice. Factors such as the need for appointments in a particular area and regional requirements are also taken into account.
I can confirm to the Deputy that my Department has received an application from the individual referred to and this application is currently being processed.
1433. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons who were refused permission to land at Dublin Airport, by country of origin or nationality, between July 2021 and July 2022, in tabular form. [43425/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State has a duty to protect its borders and to ensure that all arriving passengers are entitled to enter the State. This is a fundamental exercise of State sovereignty, which is necessary to protect the security of the State and to prevent illegal immigration. The exercise of powers in this area is at all times subject to the law and to respect for individual rights.
The Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department has responsibility for frontline immigration duties at Dublin Airport only. Other ports of entry are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
Under Section 4 of the Immigration Act 2004, an Immigration Officer must determine whether a non-EEA national should be granted leave to land and thus gain entry to the State. In performing their duties, an Immigration Officer is required to consider all of the circumstances of the non-EEA national at the time of entry.
A refusal of leave to land by the BMU is first considered by the Immigration Officer and is always signed off by a more senior officer. It is important to note that a refusal of leave to land, unlike a deportation or a removal order, is specific to the arrival instance and does not preclude the person from seeking to enter the State in the future if they satisfy the conditions for entry. The principle of non-refoulement applies to each of these decisions.
Where a person indicates or is identified as being in need of international protection, they are admitted to the international protection process. However, they will still be recorded as a refusal of leave to land.
The tables below set out the nationalities of people refused leave to land over the period sought by the Deputy.
|
Nationality |
July 2021 - December 2021 Total |
|
Syrian |
442 |
|
Eritrean |
385 |
|
Somali |
367 |
|
Afghan |
160 |
|
Brazilian |
142 |
|
Zimbabwean |
110 |
|
Kuwaiti |
101 |
|
Georgian |
94 |
|
South African |
72 |
|
Motswana |
72 |
|
Albanian |
68 |
|
Iraqi |
63 |
|
Iranian |
63 |
|
Palestinian |
60 |
|
Yemeni |
59 |
|
Algerian |
46 |
|
Nigerian |
25 |
|
Sudanese |
24 |
|
Ethiopian |
16 |
|
Congolese (DRC) |
14 |
|
Pakistani |
13 |
|
Salvadoran |
13 |
|
American |
13 |
|
Dominican |
12 |
|
Chinese |
11 |
|
Others* |
129 |
|
Total |
2574 |
|
Nationality |
January 2022 - July 2022 Total |
|
Georgian |
877 |
|
Somali |
702 |
|
Zimbabwean |
372 |
|
Syrian |
294 |
|
Kuwaiti |
224 |
|
Albanian |
190 |
|
Eritrean |
174 |
|
Motswana |
162 |
|
Brazilian |
159 |
|
South African |
141 |
|
Iranian |
119 |
|
Afghan |
100 |
|
Algerian |
96 |
|
Iraqi |
80 |
|
Sudanese |
64 |
|
Palestinian |
63 |
|
Indian |
50 |
|
Yemeni |
47 |
|
Congolese (DRC) |
46 |
|
Salvadoran |
40 |
|
Bolivian |
30 |
|
Nigerian |
30 |
|
Egyptian |
27 |
|
Sierra Leonean |
25 |
|
Ethiopian |
25 |
|
Swazi |
23 |
|
Chinese |
19 |
|
Nicaraguan |
16 |
|
American |
16 |
|
Unknown |
12 |
|
Pakistani |
12 |
|
Sri Lankan |
11 |
|
Others* |
162 |
|
Total |
4408 |
*All nationalities with fewer than 10 refusals have been grouped as ‘Others’ to ensure individual records remain anonymised.
1434. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if she has considered changing the requirement that the spouse of an Irish citizen has to fulfil Irish residency requirements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43456/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe granting of Irish citizenship through naturalisation is governed by the provisions of the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended. All applications for a certificate of naturalisation are processed and assessed individually in accordance with the provisions of the Act. A determination on whether an applicant satisfies the statutory criteria attendant to naturalisation can only be made after an application is received.
Section 15A of the 1956 Act sets out the conditions that apply where the application is based on being the spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen. The requirements are:
- that the couple are married or civil partners to each other for a period of at least three years and are living together;
- that immediately before the date of application, they have a period of one year’s continuous residence in the island of Ireland; and
- during the preceding four years, have a further period amounting to two years (i.e. three years in total).
- Section 15A(2) further provides that the Minister in their absolute discretion may waive some of the conditions in relation to an application from a spouse or civil partner of an Irish citizen if they are satisfied that the applicant would suffer serious consequences in respect of his or her bodily integrity or liberty if not granted Irish citizenship.
- it is open to any individual to lodge an application for citizenship if and when they are in a position to meet the statutory conditions as prescribed in the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Act 1956, as amended and pay the appropriate fees. There are no current plans to amend this legislation in the manner suggested.
Detailed information on Irish citizenship and the naturalisation process, along with the relevant application forms and guidance notes, is available on my Department's immigration website at: www.irishimmigration.ie/how-to-become-a-citizen/
1435. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 135 of 29 June 2022, if she will provide a schedule of the dates on which this issue was discussed formally by her officials in 2021 and 2022. [43475/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset, I again want to record my sympathy for all those affected by issues arising from CervicalCheck. I have previously met with the 221+ Patient Support Group and they explained their concerns to me in relation to a number of matters, including issues raised by the Morrissey v HSE case relating to the Civil Liability Act 1961.
These issues were discussed at a meeting with my officials on 4 February 2021. I would note that there have been other discussions on these issues within my Department at various times during 2021 and 2022. It is not possible to confirm the dates, as those other discussions were informal.
As I have stated previously, these issues, including issues relating to legislation, are under ongoing examination within my Department. Any proposals for legislation in this complex area of the law would require careful consideration and consultation.
1436. Deputy Bernard J. Durkan asked the Minister for Justice the progress to date in the determination of an application for a visa in the case of a person (details supplied); and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43508/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe visa applications referred to by the Deputy were created on 27 April 2022. Supporting documentation was subsequently received in the relevant visa office on 26 May 2022 where the applications are awaiting further examination and processing.
Long Stay Join Family visa applications are processed in accordance with the guidelines set out in my Department's Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. This is available on my Department's immigration website at:
www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
This policy document contains a stated business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens and Category A sponsors, such as Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders, should be dealt with within six months of application.
A 12 month target will apply for applications to join Category B sponsors, such as Non Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders or Stamp 4 holders not covered by other more favourable arrangements.
However, it is important to note that these are business targets, which do not constitute legal obligations. The business target reflects the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
It is not possible to give a definitive date as to when these applications will be finalised. All applications are processed in chronological order, based on date order of receipt. While every effort is made to process applications as soon as possible, processing times will vary having regard to the volume and complexity of applications, the possible need for my Department to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information, and the resources available.
The applicants will be notified as soon as a decision has been reached by a Visa Officer.
Queries in relation to the status of individual immigration cases may be made directly to my Department by e-mail using the Oireachtas Mail facility (inisoireachtasmail@justice.ie) which has been specifically established for this purpose. This service enables up to date information on such cases to be obtained without the need to seek information by way of the Parliamentary Questions process. The Deputy may consider using the e-mail service except in cases where the response is, in the Deputy's view, inadequate or too long awaited.
1437. Deputy Fergus O'Dowd asked the Minister for Justice the details on the total amounts of moneys awarded to Louth County Council by her Department in each of the years 2016 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form; if she will seek details on the total moneys drawn down and spent by Louth County Council over the same years, in tabular form, and, if not spent, the total moneys that were returned to her Department over the same years, respectively, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43524/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI can inform the Deputy that no funding was awarded to Louth County Council by my Department in the years specified.
1438. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Justice the level of engagement that she has had with the Garda Representative Association in relation to planned changes to rostering for the force; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43623/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1457. Deputy Seán Haughey asked the Minister for Justice if the Garda Commissioner has informed her Department about plans for new rosters for An Garda Síochána; if her attention has been drawn to staff associations being opposed to these plans; if she will raise the concerns of the staff associations with the Garda Commissioner; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43760/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1438 and 1457 together.
As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes the deployment and rostering of staff. As Minister, I have no role in the management of these functions, nor have I had any engagement with the Garda Associations in respect of the matters referred to by the Deputy.
The Deputy may also be aware that the current Garda roster was introduced by the Commissioner to deal with the specific policing requirements that arose during the Covid pandemic. It was always intended by the Commissioner to be a temporary roster, to be replaced in due course by a revised roster.
I am informed by the Commissioner that a facilitated process (under an independent chair) has been ongoing for some time between Garda management and the Garda Associations to develop a revised roster for Garda members. On 15 August, the facilitator published his recommendations as providing a basis to move forward on roster reform. Further engagement with the Associations in relation to the implementation of these proposals is a matter for the Garda Commissioner.
1439. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons who have disembarked an aircraft at airports (details supplied) claiming asylum but who could not provide a passport from 1 January 2021 to date in 2022, in tabular form; the steps she is taking to address concerns that those who claim to have no passport are likely to be making false claims given that a passport would have been required to board the plane from the country or territory where their flights originated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43532/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe State has a duty to protect its borders and to ensure that all arriving passengers are entitled to enter the State. This is a fundamental exercise of State sovereignty, which is necessary to protect the security of the State and to prevent illegal immigration. The exercise of powers in this area is at all times subject to the law and to respect for individual rights.
The Border Management Unit (BMU) of my Department has responsibility for frontline immigration duties at Dublin Airport only. Other ports of entry are the responsibility of the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
Under Section 11 of the Immigration Act 2004, any person entering the State at Dublin Airport or at any other port of entry, must be in possession of a valid passport or other equivalent document, issued by or on behalf of an authority recognised by the Government, which establishes his or her identity and nationality to the satisfaction of an Immigration Officer.
If a person cannot produce a valid passport, or other equivalent document, then the Immigration Officer will arrange for the person to be referred to the Garda National Immigration Bureau (GNIB).
The table below sets out the number of people who presented to the BMU at immigration control at Dublin Airport without a valid passport, or other equivalent documentation, or who presented a false document, and claimed international protection. Anyone who subsequently claimed international protection after being referred to GNIB will not be recorded by the BMU.
|
Oct-21 |
Nov-21 |
Dec-21 |
Jan-22 |
Feb-22 |
Mar-22 |
Apr-22 |
May-22 |
Jun-22 |
Jul-22 |
|
22 |
263 |
302 |
193 |
187 |
305 |
375 |
438 |
500 |
505 |
The BMU introduced the statistical system to capture this information in October 2021, therefore, data is only available from that time.
1440. Deputy Ivana Bacik asked the Minister for Justice the progress that has been made following the roll-out of Operation Citizen; and if the Garda Commissioner has indicated if a scaling up of the project is expected [43556/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAn Garda Síochána are undertaking a number of operations in Dublin, including Operation Citizen, that align with the government’s overall aim to ensure that people are safe and feel safe in their own community.
As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes responsibility for the organisation's approaches to preventing and investigating criminal activity. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I am informed by the Garda Authorities that Operation Citizen commenced in Dublin city centre on 22 October 2021. It was initiated to reassure the citizens, visitors and the business community in Dublin City Centre that it is a safe place in which to visit, socialise, conduct business and enjoy its amenities.
The aim of this operation is to deliver an enhanced high visibility policing presence in Dublin city centre on a daily basis. Operation Citizen focuses on collaborative community and stakeholder engagement, as the positive use of the Dublin city centre public realm is not just an issue for An Garda Síochána.
This operation places a particular focus on anti-social behaviour, public order and quality of life issues, assaults and high-volume crimes, and involves increased visible policing, particularly at key locations. In addition to Garda resources from the Dublin Metropolitan Region North Central and South Central divisions, Operation Citizen is supported by resources from the wider Dublin Region, Garda Roads Policing Units, the Garda National Public Order Unit and Garda Operational Support Units (Mounted Unit and Dog Unit).
The Garda authorities advise that there are in excess of 20 dedicated Gardaí on foot or mountain bike patrols daily, which are supported by 12 mobile patrols consisting of 24 Garda members from Pearse Street, Store Street, Bridewell and Kevin Street Garda Stations.
I am informed that there are in excess of 100 Gardaí patrolling Dublin city centre each weekend evening. 8 Gardaí are assigned to this initiative full time and are specifically patrolling along the Boardwalk, Quays and environs every day 4pm – 4am supported by 30 additional Gardaí deployed on beat patrols in the city centre Friday, Saturday and Sunday evening supported by 5 Regional Armed patrols which consists of 10 members.
I understand that the Garda National Public Order Unit which consists of 25 personnel on mobile patrols, when deployed, provide additional tactical and operational support to frontline personnel. Members of the Garda Mounted, Garda Dog Unit and DMR Roads Policing Unit also support Operation Citizen by way of additional high-visibility beats and patrols.
I am further informed that An Garda Síochána continues to positively engage with key stakeholders such as Dublin City Council, business groups, the hospitality sector and voluntary bodies in addition to the formal interaction within the Dublin City Centre Business Forum and the High Level Street Issues Committee chaired by the Lord Mayor of Dublin.
The Deputy may also be aware, in January this year, the Garda authorities launched Operation Saul to further support, enhance and strengthen the strategic and operational objectives of Operation Citizen. The aim of Operation Saul is to provide a safe environment for commuters utilising public transport services in the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR).
I met with Garda members in Pearse Street station on 7th September to be briefed on both Operation Citizen and Operation Saul and I commend those members who are taking part in these crucial operations aimed at keeping people in, or travelling to, the city centre safe.
In addition, Operation Spire addresses the increased levels of on-street drug dealing and the associated anti-social and criminal behaviour in O’Connell Street area. This Operation is focused between the hours of 8am and 8pm daily and takes a robust targeted approach to all those involved in all criminal behaviour and anti-social behaviour, particularly drug related activity. This operation also includes liaison activity between DMR North Central and DMR South Central with homeless hostels and drug treatment centres.
There is also Operation Limmat and Operation Irene. Operation Limmat is the DMR’s assault in public and public order reduction strategy. The operation promotes a pro-arrest and early-investigation approach to incidents of assault, together with driving high-visibility policing in public places to act as a deterrent to prevent and reduce assaults and public order offences in the DMR.
Operation Irene commenced in the Dublin Metropolitan Region on Wednesday 1 June 2022 and was due to continue until Wednesday 31 August 2022. The aim of this operation is to combat under-age alcohol consumption and the consumption of alcohol in public places in the Dublin Metropolitan Region, in a targeted operation through the enforcement of legislation regulating the sale, supply and consumption of alcohol and other associated legislation.
Finally, as the Deputy may be aware, a new property on O’Connell Street has been identified as a strategically important location to enhance An Garda Síochána’s high-visibility policing service in the DMR North Central Division. When opened, this facility will support and enhance the existing policing service in Dublin city centre and will provide a range of Garda services to the public. The premises will also act as a base for members on a number of key Garda Operations running in the city centre, notably Operation Citizen.
1441. Deputy Paul Murphy asked the Minister for Justice if his attention has been drawn to the implications of changing the response time for a decision in relation to a joint family visa from six months to 12 months, especially for those families who were informed that it would be a six-month process when they submitted the application; the actions her Department will take to reduce this waiting time; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43563/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1451. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Justice if the wait time for a joint family visa has been lengthened to 12 months; if she has assessed the difficulty that this is causing for some families; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43631/22]
Amharc ar fhreagra1462. Deputy Holly Cairns asked the Minister for Justice the steps she is taking to ensure that all joint family visas are dealt with within six months of receipt of all required documentation. [43915/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 1441, 1451 and 1462 together.
Long Stay Join Family visa applications are processed by my Department in accordance with the guidelines set out in my Department's Policy Document on Non-EEA Family Reunification. The Policy Document is available on my Department's immigration website at:
www.irishimmigration.ie/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Policy-document-on-Non-EEA-family-reunification.pdf
It contains a stated business target that visa applications for family reunification for immediate family members of Irish citizens and Category A sponsors, such as Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders, should be processed within six months of application. A 12 month target applies for applications to join Category B sponsors, such as Non Critical Skills Employment Permit Holders or Stamp 4 holders not covered by other arrangements. The business targets reflect the detailed and often complex assessment that is required to be carried out in relation to applications for family reunification.
I can confirm to the Deputy that there has been no policy change to the stated business targets.
All Join Family visa applications are processed in chronological order by date received in the relevant Embassy or Visa Office. Processing times for each individual Visa Office will vary as a result of the differing volume and complexity of applications and the resources available in that office. It may also be necessary for my officials to investigate, inquire into, or seek further information in relation to applications.
The Deputy can be assured that every effort is made to keep processing times to a minimum, and a number of measures have been put in place to deal with the increased demand for visas to come to Ireland. This has included the streamlining of visa processes where possible. The position in this regard is being kept under review.
The central concern in deciding on visa applications, as with all visa services worldwide, is to strike an appropriate balance between protecting the country's vital national interests by maintaining an effective immigration regime while at the same time facilitating travel for those who meet the criteria. Each visa application is therefore decided on its own merits taking all factors into account.
1442. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice when the next recruitment campaign for the Garda band will commence; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43570/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy. Regretfully this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
1443. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of unmarked and marked Garda cars added to the fleet to date in 2022; the number of vehicles withdrawn from the fleet to date in 2022; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43571/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimum use in light of identified operational needs and emerging crime trends.
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the number of unmarked and marked Garda cars added to the fleet, and the number of vehicles withdrawn from the fleet as of 31 August 2022.
|
Cars |
Marked |
Unmarked |
Total |
|
Allocated |
40 |
112 |
152 |
|
Removed |
43 |
53 |
96 |
1444. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the age and percentage of the Garda fleet within the Wexford division that are aged less than one year old, between one and three years old, between four and six years old, between seven and ten years old and over ten years old; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43572/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAs the Deputy will be aware, under the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the administration and management of An Garda Síochána, including the purchase, allocation, and effective and efficient use of Garda vehicles. As Minister, I have no direct role in these matters.
I am advised, however, that Garda management keeps the distribution of resources under continual review to ensure their optimum use in light of identified operational needs and emerging crime trends.
The table below, provided to me by the Garda authorities, outlines the age and percentage of the Garda fleet within the Wexford division that are aged less than one year old, between one and three years old, between four and six years old, between seven and ten years old and over ten years old, as of 30 August 2022.
|
Age |
No of Vehicles |
% |
|
< 1 year |
5 |
8.2% |
|
1-3 years |
21 |
34.4% |
|
3-6 years |
10 |
16.4% |
|
6-10 years |
25 |
41% |
|
10+ years |
0 |
0% |
|
Wexford Division |
61 |
100% |
1445. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of gardaí by rank attached to the Garda National Economic Crime Bureau as of 31 December 2020 and 24 August 2022, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43573/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Garda National Economic Crime Bureau (GNECB) is the main Bureau of An Garda Síochána tasked with tackling economic crime. The GNECB is a specialist Bureau that investigates more serious and complex cases of economic crime, and cases which are deemed unsuitable for local attention are forwarded to that section for investigation. The Bureau operates on a national basis and provides specialist support and guidance to local investigations.
As the Deputy will be aware, in accordance with the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Garda Commissioner is responsible for the management and administration of An Garda Síochána, which includes decisions on the deployment of personnel among the various Garda Divisions/Units. As Minister, I have no role in these matters.
I am advised by the Garda authorities that the table below sets out the number of Garda members assigned to the GNECB at end December 2020 and at end July 2022, the latest date for which figures are available.
|
Economic Crime Bureau |
CS |
SU |
IN |
SG |
GD |
Total |
|
31/07/2022 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
23 |
68 |
95 |
|
31/12/2020 |
1 |
3 |
2 |
22 |
45 |
73 |
*The above information is based upon operational data which has been provided by An Garda Síochána and may be liable to change.
1446. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of persons successfully prosecuted for conspiracy to commit burglary within the Louth Garda division in each of the years 2019 to 2021 and to date in 2022, in tabular form. [43574/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy will be aware that the management of the courts, operational matters and logistical functions are the responsibility of the judiciary and Courts Service, which are independent in exercising their functions. Data regarding the number of successful prosecutions in a particular area is maintained by the Courts Service.
The Courts Service has a dedicated email address for the provision of information to members of the Houses of the Oireachtas, at: oireachtasenquiries@courts.ie.
To be of assistance, I have also referred the Deputy's query directly to the Courts Service.
1447. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice the number of unfilled posts in the Dublin north division including rank, in tabular form; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43575/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraI have contacted An Garda Síochána for the information requested by the Deputy. Regretfully this information was not available in time. I will write to the Deputy once the information is to hand.
1448. Deputy Jim O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice further to Parliamentary Question No. 682 of 21 June 2022, if she has received the necessary information from the Garda authorities; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43576/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Deputy is referring to Parliamentary Question No. 682 of 21 June 2022 where information on 'the Garda divisions currently without a crime prevention officer' was sought.
As the Deputy is aware, the Garda Commissioner is responsible by law for the management and administration of Garda business, including the recruitment and training of Garda members and staff.
Additionally, under Section 33 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005 (as amended), the Commissioner determines the deployment of Gardaí throughout the State, and, as Minister, I have no role in the deployment of Garda members to individual stations/duties.
I am advised that Garda management keeps this distribution under continual review to ensure the optimum use of Garda resources.
I understand that Crime Prevention Officers are trained to encourage, promote and advise on crime prevention in both private and business communities. A list of Crime Prevention Officers is available publicly on the Garda website: www.garda.ie/en/crime-prevention/who-is-my-local-crime-prevention-officer-/
I have been advised by the Garda authorities that, as of 05 September, the following three Garda Divisions currently have no dedicated crime prevention officer:
- Wicklow
- DMR North Central
- DMR West
I understand that these vacancies arise as a result of recent retirements and I am advised that it is expected that a competition to fill the vacancies will commence shortly. The appointment of a Crime Prevention Officer is a matter for the local Divisional Officer and I am informed that the Garda National Crime Prevention Unit assists Divisions when requested.
1449. Deputy Neasa Hourigan asked the Minister for Justice her plans in the lead-up to Hallowe'en to combat the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks, and to prevent associated antisocial behaviour; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [43590/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraFireworks, because they are explosives, are regulated under national and EU legislation and can only be imported into the country under licence and stored and sold in accordance with explosives law. Government policy restricts the availability of all hazardous fireworks to the general public. Licences under the Explosives Act are issued by my Department only for the importation of fireworks which are to be used in organised displays conducted by professional and competent operators.
Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 gives An Garda Síochána the power to make arrests in relation to the possession of unlicensed fireworks. An example of the penalties faced include a fine of up to €10,000 and up to five years imprisonment if convicted of having fireworks in your possession with intent to sell or supply. Igniting fireworks or throwing an ignited firework at a person or property is also liable to the same severe penalty. These penalties demonstrate the seriousness attached to breaches of the legislation governing the importation and use of fireworks.
I am aware of the distressing impact the improper use of fireworks has on our communities and I share the concerns of the Deputy and of the local communities affected. I know the fear and distress fireworks being set off causes our elderly family members and neighbours and people with sensory challenges and other vulnerabilities. They also have a terrible impact on pets and other animals and livestock.
That is why every year as Halloween approaches, my Department runs a safety campaign aimed at ensuring the public is aware of the dangers of illegal fireworks and bonfires. Taking into account the issues arising and highlighted to me last year, my officials will again seek to collaborate with a number of relevant bodies such as An Garda Síochána, the Dublin Fire Brigade, the Irish Society for the Prevent of Cruelty to Animals, as well as the local authorities around the country in order to ensure that our messaging for this year is clear, impactful and ready to be launched and rolled out before the end of this month. As always, this messaging will continue to be pushed out across a number of mediums including social media on a regular basis until early November.
In addition to the awareness raising work undertaken by my Department, in the run up to Halloween, additional efforts are made by An Garda Síochána to combat the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks, which is known as Operation Tombola.
I am advised by the Garda Commissioner that through Operation 'Tombola' each Garda Division will put in place a range of measures to combat the importation, sale and distribution of illegal fireworks, through intelligence led operations, visits to local car boot sales, searches and seizures of fireworks. They will liaise with local authorities and Fire Services, and identify and remove stockpiles of bonfire material and abandoned vehicles from locations.
They also promote awareness of the dangers associated with the improper use of fireworks and unsupervised bonfires through the media, social media, school visits and information leaflet distribution by the Crime Prevention Officer and members generally. An Garda Síochána will also Conduct high visibility policing of Halloween night celebrations, i.e. beat, bike and mobile patrols, thus preventing damage to property, injury, trauma for the vulnerable and the elderly, and general anti-social behaviour.
I am further advised by the Commissioner that Policing Plans will be implemented across each Region to ensure adequate response capabilities are in place to meet the policing demands in this particularly busy period. In addition to putting in place appropriate and effective measures designed to combat the sale, supply and possession of fireworks and anti-social behaviour, each Chief Superintendent will also examine their policing needs for the Halloween period to provide the necessary overt and covert policing presence.
Operation 'Tombola' will also focus on preventing associated public disorder and anti-social behaviour through the incremental deployment of resources, including Garda Public Order Units to augment local plans as appropriate.
